A rock fisher who fell into the sea at Piha on Sunday has emerged unscathed, thanks to quick-thinking surfers, an angel ring and surf lifeguards. 

The man had been fishing from the rocks near Camel Rock, at the southern end of the beach, when he fell into the water. He was not wearing a lifejacket and was dressed in jeans and a long-sleeve t-shirt. 

Surf lifeguards from Piha Surf Life Saving Club spotted a number of surfers waving their arms and immediately launched an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) to investigate. By the time the IRB reached the man, he had been thrown an angel ring – one of several positioned at strategic points along the rocks in case a rock fisher goes over the edge – and was being supported by a group of surfers who had been surfing near the rocks where he was fishing. 

Piha SLSC Patrol Captain Jason Anderson, who was leading the patrol on the day, says the man got off lightly. 

“He came out of it unscathed, which is remarkable. He had no lifejacket on and was wearing jeans and a long-sleeve t-shirt – had those surfers not been nearby and had he not been thrown a flotation device, it’s highly likely he would have drowned. 

“There are free lifejackets available for rock fishers at the southern end of the beach. If you’re fishing from the rocks, please use one – it could save your life.” 

The rescue was the only one recorded nationally over the weekend, but Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) surf lifeguards were kept busy, carrying out 263 preventative actions involving 4,096 people, along with 8 major first aids and 3 minor first aids. Surf lifeguards spent 3,692 hours on patrol across the country. 

Sunday was the busier of the two days, with 2,985 people counted on patrolled beaches, more than half of them in the Eastern Region, where surf lifeguards carried out 65 preventative actions involving 2,433 people. 

SLSNZ GM – Lifesaving Andy Kent says the Piha rescue shows the difference bystanders and the right equipment can make. 

“The surfers who went to the man’s aid and raised the alarm did exactly what we want to see. If you see someone in trouble in the water and surf lifeguards are on patrol, let them know. If you can’t see any surf lifeguards, call 111 and ask for Police. 

“If you end up in the water yourself, remember to Float First – lie on your back, stay calm, and raise your arm to signal for help.” 

Mr Kent says the weekend’s 263 preventative actions show how much of surf lifeguards’ work happens before anyone gets into trouble. 

“As the weather warms up and more people head to the coast, check safeswim.org.nz to find a lifeguarded beach, always swim between the red and yellow flags, and if in doubt, stay out.”